Description

Alter Ego is a game which tries to simulate life itself. The player creates a character with different personality statistics, either by assigning them randomly or by answering a few introductory questions. They then guide this character through seven life phases, from infancy to old age.

The gameplay consists of a series of situations where a decision has to be made. This is done by choosing one of multiple answer possibilities, sometimes accompanied with a mood. Then the player gets presented with the outcome and goes on to the next situation. Every decision has long-time consequences and influences the personality, health and which situations await further down the road. Some decisions may even result in an early death or instant game over.

Every life phase is represented by a life tree where the situations are lined up; the motive of the situation card shows the general theme of the situation. After reaching a certain age, additional life options can be undergone at any time. Here the player can change his lifestyle and manage his love and professional life.

Trivia

1001 Video Games

Explicit content

Because of the authenticity of the life experiences explored in the program, Alter Ego contains explicit material which may not be suitable for players under the age of 16. They have the option of skipping these experiences, however.

Female and male versions

The game came out in a distinct male and female version, where all the experiences are geared toward male or female players respectively.

Sales

The female version, due to the very small percentage of female gamers at the time, did not sell well and is fairly rare.

Awards

Commodore Format

January 1991 (Issue 4) - listed in the A to Z of Classic Games article (Great)

Happy Computer

1986 - Best Game Idea of the Year

Issue 04/1987 - #11 Best Game in 1986 (Readers' Vote)

Zzap!

January 1990 (Issue 57) – 'The Best Games of the 80's Decade' (Phil King)